Crudite Platter Wreath
WHAT IS CRUDITE?
Crudite is a french word that means raw vegetables. They can be served whole or cut into edibles pieces and served on a platter with some sort of dip, or even a couple dips. It’s like a fancy vegetable tray that’s wonderful for parties all year round. You can customize it depending on what vegetables you have on hand, what’s in season at your local grocery store, and what your guests like.
What I love about this crudite platter idea for the holidays is that there’s really not a lot of effort involved in whipping it up. And the result is a colorful, healthy and beautiful party platter that is so fun to munch on.
WHAT VEGETABLES TO USE FOR CRUDITE PLATTER
- Asparagus
- Artichokes
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli and broccolini too
- Brussel sprouts
- Carrots (the heirloom baby carrots with stems and a variety of colors are ideal!)
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Cucumbers (Persian cucumbers work great)
- Fennel
- Green beans
- Jicama
- Radicchio
- Radishes (watermelon radishes kick it up a notch)
- Snow peas
- Sugar snap peas
- Tomatoes (look for colorful cherry tomatoes)
- Zucchini (look for the mini ones if possible)
WHAT DIPS ARE USUALLY SERVED WITH A CRUDITE PLATTER?
Typically a crudite platter is only raw vegetables and a selection of one, two or three dips. I’ve also seen some with fruits and nuts added, although it’s not as common. To select a dip that works well, it’s best to refer to the vegetables you’re using. I think a classic ranch dip works well with everything, and that’s what I did for my Christmas crudite platter.
Two other really popular dips are hummus and baba ghanoush. You can also go with guacamole. Other popular choices include aioli, olive tapenade, tzatziki sauce or any type of salad dressing you like. For example green goddess or caesar dressing. I’ve included below a simple ranch dip that works really well with the green vegetables I selected for my crudite platter.
HOW TO ASSEMBLE A CRUDITE PLATTER
Assembling the platter will depend on the occasion. A spring crudite will look different than this holiday wreath one we have going on. Whatever the occasion, it’s important to select a large serving tray, wooden board or platter to fit all the vegetables and dip(s). Crudite platter are usually pretty large and their appeal is the bounty and freshness of the vegetables.
For this Christmas crudite, I started out a cheap large green plastic plate because I wanted the vegetables to cover the plate entirely. Just make sure to start with something circular. Then you’ll want to add some leafy greens like kale, arugula or romaine lettuce. Kale is mostly in season now and doesn’t wilt as easily, so I opted for kale. And then you’ll carefully pile on the veggies in groups so it’s easy to decipher the selection of vegetables on the platter.
After adding the kale and green beans, I added broccoli and sugar snap peas.
Finally I added some sliced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes for some red flair.
And then I carefully pour the mixed up ranch dip into the little dip bowl and sprinkled on some fresh chives. It’s ready to go! I usually store it in the fridge until party time to keep the vegetables crisp and fresh.
TIPS FOR DELICIOUS CRUDITE PLATTER
- Purchase the vegetables on the day you plan to assemble the crudite platter, or the day before at the earliest. This way it guarantees that you have the freshest vegetables that will stay crisp for the party.
- Boost the color of the vegetables by blanching them. This isn’t necessary for all vegetables, but it works great for vegetables like broccoli, green beans and asparagus. By blanching them, you’re simply going to place the vegetable in boiling water for a couple minutes and then shock it in an ice water bath immediately after. This preserves the deep bright green color of the vegetables and makes them easier to chew.
- Cut larger vegetables into one-or-two bite pieces. Traditionally the vegetables are cut into sticks or rounds whenever possible. This makes them more appetizing and easier to grab and eat. Perfect finger food for a party!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CAN YOU MAKE A CRUDITE PLATTER AHEAD OF TIME?
You can make the ranch dip up to 2 days in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. I would advise not preparing the vegetables until the day you plan to serve the platter, but if you do, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge.
WHAT ARE THE BEST VEGETABLES TO USE ON A CRUDITE PLATTER?
For my festive crudite wreath, I stuck to green vegetables for that holiday vibe, but you can of course use any veggies you like! It’s best to use vegetables with a crunch, carrots, bell peppers and cauliflower are all great choices.
I love this healthy party appetizer, especially for the holiday season when we’re surrounded by so many other indulgent foods and treats. Transform a boring veggie tray into this festive crudite platter shaped like a wreath! Serve it with my homemade ranch dip for a fuss-free party food that everyone will love!
